GlaxoSmithKline hails HIV treatment breakthrough

GlaxoSmithKline said on Monday that ViiV Healthcare, in which it owns a majority stake, is ending a study early after finding that its long-acting injectable formulation of cabotegravir dosed every two months shows higher efficacy than daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV transmission.

The study showed that investigational, long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB LA) administered every two months is 69% more effective than daily pills in preventing HIV acquisition in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women who have sex with men when compared to the current standard of care.

The study had approximately 4,600 participants across more than 40 sites in North and South America, Asia, and Africa.

Kimberly Smith, M.D., head of Research & Development at ViiV Healthcare, said: "These study results demonstrate that long-acting injectable cabotegravir dosed every two months can successfully reduce HIV acquisition in at-risk MSM and transgender women.

"We are thrilled with the results not only because of the high efficacy of cabotegravir but also because we have demonstrated high efficacy in a study that adequately represents some of the populations most disproportionately impacted by HIV - black MSM in the US, young MSM globally and transgender women."